Tribute Somerset 2 North

Bristol Barbarians 2ndXV 5 Werston Athletic 10

Weston's Development Squad took to the field for their first ever competitive match and took the spoils in an extremely hard fought encounter at Bristol Barbarians.

With the weather conditions bordering monsoon season, Weston's hopes for a wide expansive game took a blow and instead the lads had to strap in for a scrappy encounter, which suited the far bigger Barbarians side.

Early exchanges were fairly even with both teams having chances. Weston came close early on from a series of pick and goes following great line out work from Harrison Whitehouse, whilst Barbarians had similar opportunities.

A great desire to press the opposition leading to mistakes and turnover ball for Weston.

Then on the half hour, Weston put together an excellent set of phases which created space on the outside and this was used superbly by the back line that saw the ball moved at pace and a really well timed pass from Ben Wheeler to put winger Charley Hearne in at the corner. Conversion missed. 0-5.

Weston now had a bit of belief in themselves, and from the kick off they were immediately on the front foot. James Disney taking the re-start and making good ground with a strong carry which put the lads into good field position and they used the ball really well to make their way into the Barbarians 22.

Penalty awarded and quick thinking from scrum half Hayden Tuttiett saw Tom Tilsley drop over the line unopposed in the opposite corner. Conversion missed, 0-10 at half time.

Second half and changes made, with Chris Ashworth, Josh Burton and Matt Lloyd coming on. Barabarians also made changes, although some of these had been forced during the first half, most notebly to their left wing who's kamikazee head first tackle (in its loosest possible term) resulted in the relocation of his nose to his right ear and a trip to the casualty department.

Kick off, and Weston looked to continue where they had left off, but it was the home side who started quickly. Renewed vigour in attack saw them begin to get over the gain line and Weston were under a lot of pressure.

Unable to get out of our own 22, despite several good turnovers by Dan Prime, Harry Long and Kieran Shelley, Barabrians crossed in the corner for a well deserved try, and now Weston faced a test of character. Conversion missed, 5-10.

Lots of Barabrians pressure v Weston's defence and counter attacking was the scene for the remainder of the game, and it was Weston who created the clearer opportunities. They should've scored having created a huge overlap on one occassion and had other 3 v 2, 4 v 2 chances with only our mistakes letting us down.

As full time appraoched, the home side were hugely on top in the scrums and a series of push over opportunities were kept out. Then with the final play resulting in a penalty 15m out, Barbarians opted for the scrum.

With a pushover looking odds on Weston's pack dug in for one last huge effort, disrupting the opposition 8 and a knock on at the base saw the final whistle blown. This was a really encouraging start for the side that showed great commitment and a strong desire to work hard for each other.

Thanks to Chris Ashworth and Hayden Tuttiett for helping out and a special mention to the ref, who was clearly jaded following the long journey from 1988, but kept the entertainment levels high by changing the set sequence at every scrum.

My particular favourite being, 'Crouch, Engage, Touch.' Notable performances this week from the front 5 who will be feeling it today, Harry Long and Harrison Whitehouse who worked really well at lineouts and to Scott Metherell, Josh Wheeler and Ben Wheeler who all made some outstanding tackles.

Man of the match this week goes to Kieran Shelley who led from the front all day. Top effort.

On Friday we welcome Hornets to the Rec for our first ever home game. It would be great to see as many supporters as we can at the game as we look to improve. 1930 KO.